Learning objectives
<div align="justify">Regional economics is a branch of the economy that studies the way in which economic activities are organized in the territory. Its distinguishing feature is the use of the ‘local system’ as unit of analysis. The local system is the shared reference for the analysis and implementation of economic development policies. The course elucidates theoretical foundations and practical tools to understand and explain the causes that rule the organization of local production, and processes of internationalization. Topics of the course will be approached in terms of methods, theories and comparative analyis, relying on research conducted both in Italy and developing countries. The aim of the course is to give students the basic knowledge needed to identify the variety and variability of local development patterns that distinguish a national economy and related policies.</div>
Course unit content
<div align="justify"> Part One: 1) The object of study and the method of analysis; 2) SMEs and industrial district; 3) Big businesses and growth pole; 4) Local systems and global market. Part Two: 5) The industrial district as the unit of analysis of economic change; 6) From the industrial district to local development; 7) The multiple pathways to local development; 8) Local development in the experience of developing countries . Part monographic: 9) The policies for local development (with emphasis on the UNIDO initiatives).</div>
Bibliography
<div align="justify">Bruzzo, F. 2008, Analisi economica del territorio, Aracne, Roma.<br />
Becattini, G. 2005, Il distretto industriale, 2a rist., Rosenberg & Sellier, Torino.<br />
Sforzi, F. 2008, I sistemi locali del lavoro, "Sviluppo Locale", vol. XIII, n. 31, pp. 3-33.<br />
UNIDO 2008, Poverty Reduction through Productive Activities, <http://www.unido.org>.</div>
Teaching methods
<div align="justify">The module is assessed by a combination of methods, both individually and in groups. These include a) the writing of an essay of approximately 5,000 words undertaken by small groups (of up to four students each) and its oral presentation. The essay is based on a reading list derived from the UNIDO experience in the field of SME clusters and local economic development in developing countries; b) an individual oral examination based on the module readings.</div>
